Wolves have started planning for life without captain Nelson Semedo as his contract expires in two days.
Although Wolves have left a four-year contract on the table for Semedo, supporters aren’t happy with how long he’s taking to make a decision.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia and across Europe have previously shown interest in the 31-year-old, with Marseille rejecting Semedo due to his unrealistic wage demands.
As it stands, Vitor Pereira will need to sign an experienced replacement for the Portugal international. Wolves have shown an interest in Kyle Walker-Peters, but the talented free agent has many admirers from the Premier League.
The Old Gold have also been linked with Jeremy Toljan, formerly of Celtic, and someone who could fill a temporary void at wing-back. While that is the case, one youngster could be duelling for a spot in the team next season.
Pedro Lima during West Ham vs Wolves
Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira explains where Pedro Lima must improve
Wolves signed right-back Pedro Lima for £8.4 million from Sport Recife last summer. The 18-year-old made six senior appearances for the Wanderers last term, even grabbing an assist in the Carabao Cup against Burnley.
A graphic to show Pedro Lima's debut season at Wolves.
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Molineux News understands that Lima could be a part of Pereira’s squad in 2025/26, but to be given a chance, the Portuguese boss is working on the Brazilian to improve in three key areas, including his ability to defend one versus one, his aggression and aerial ability.
“I see talent, especially offensively,” Pereira told the E&S. “He needs to improve one against one defensively, he needs to be more aggressive and better in the air. We are working with him on that.
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“Especially with young players, we are doing special work with them to increase this. Opportunities that you can give to one player depends on the player in his position because they are competing.
“One is an experienced player and one is a talented player that came from Brazil, with difficult tactical demands, different technical skills, and aggression. It takes time to adapt and he is in this moment.
“He’s trying, he’s a worker, he likes to work for the team and he’s trying to improve his level.”
Lima has to become more ‘aggressive’
With competition from Rodrigo Gomes and a new wing-back expected to arrive if Semedo leaves, Lima could find himself third in the pecking order.
As a teenager with limited first-team experience, he can only do his best in training and hope for a chance. That being said, Lima was impressive in the defeat against Nottingham Forest in January, the only league game he’s started for Wolves.
But the key to his development is learning from someone like Semedo, whose skill and leadership qualities have seen him excel at Molineux.
Pereira also wants the fresh-faced Brazilian to become more ‘aggressive’ with his play and take more risks on the ball.
“He’s strong, he has good technique,” Pereira added. “He just needs to grow up as a player, in maturity, to go inside without being afraid, to be more aggressive when he’s defending because he needs to be more aggressive on the ball.
“This is something that we are trying to improve with him, but he’s a very good player.”